Summary

Iron Cross first class medal in silver with pin back issued by Germany in 1914.
A recipient of the first class medal automatically qualifed to receive the second class medal.

The iron cross medal was originally a military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia, established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in 1813. It was designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, a Prussian architect, artist and city planner. The medal has been issued over several different periods of German history so in order to distinguish the event or battle it is marked with the releveant year. In this instance the year 1914 represents service in World War I. The Iron Cross is only awarded in wartime.

Obverse Description

Crowned Royal cypher (Wilhelm II) above the date 1914.

Reverse Description

Plain with a pin to attach to uniform.

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